New Line Of Products: Siemens Launches FracTreat Mobile Treatment Solutions For Oil & Gas Production Market

August 25, 2010

Siemens Water Technologies has launched a new suite of products that provide comprehensive mobile water treatment solutions for the oil & gas industry, specifically for oil & gas production in shale gas applications. The FracTreat line of products includes mobile continuous precipitation, mobile flotation and a mobile combination pilot unit – all of which help improve effluent water quality and reduce the demand on fresh water sources by recycling treated effluent. The FracTreat mobile technologies are all based on Siemens fixed assets that offer experience and reliability, but their mobility makes them flexible and provides quicker delivery to the job site.

Shale gas is natural gas produced from shale rock fields. This gas has become an increasingly important source of natural gas in the United States over the past decade, and interest has also spread to potential gas shales in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Gas production in commercial quantities in these fields requires fractures to provide well permeability, and modern technology in hydraulic fracturing allows the creation of extensive artificial fractures around well bores. Hydraulic fracturing, however, results in the production of wastewater that must be treated.

The FracTreat line of products offers flexible and convenient treatment of these waters, and to date, includes three mobile products – continuous precipitation, flotation and a combination pilot unit.

The FracTreat mobile precipitation system combines several proven technologies into a single packaged unit for removal of heavy metals and suspended solids. These technologies include automated chemical feed systems, staged reaction and flocculation chambers, high-rate clarifiers and clearwells. All components are mounted in an industry-standard frac tank for rapid mobilization and deployment for effective treatment of flowback water.

The FracTreat mobile flotation unit is a 20,000 bpd unit that includes a Veirsep flotation system, comprised of an inlet centrifugal coalescing device, influent and effluent surge compartments, three flotation chambers, an oil collection paddle skim system, Brise DGF pumps for recycling fluid and generating varying micron size air/gas bubbles, as well as all required control and operational accessories.

The FracTreat combination pilot unit includes small scale flotation, sedimentation, filtration and membrane separation process units in a single, 40-foot (12.2 m) container, used for the evaluation of various treatment technologies on specific water sources. The pilot unit can be used to demonstrate process capability prior to full-scale assets being deployed.

The FracTreat line of products will be featured at the 2010 Eastern Oil & Gas Conference and Trade Show, that will be held from August 30 to September 1, 2010, in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, USA.

About The Siemens Industry Sector
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility und Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35B. For more information, visit: http://www.siemens.com/industry.

About The Siemens Industry Solutions Division
The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world’s leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 31,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.8B in fiscal year 2009.